Donald Trump recently invested over $1 million in bonds from Netflix and Warner Bros Discovery (WBD). This move comes just days after he expressed a desire to be involved in the companies’ merger, which is valued at $82.7 billion.
According to a financial disclosure from the White House, Trump made two bond purchases from each company for at least $502,000 each. He bought these on December 12 and 16, shortly after the merger announcement.
As Trump noted, the companies have a significant market share. “When they have Warner Bros, that share goes up a lot,” he said during a press event. This gives him a vested interest in the deal’s approval from regulators.
However, the merger has stirred controversy. Some critics, including Senator Elizabeth Warren, labeled it an “anti-monopoly nightmare.” The Writers Guild of America also voiced concerns, arguing that the merger could hurt jobs and content diversity in the entertainment sector.
Interestingly, Trump’s bond purchases aren’t limited to Netflix and WBD. He has reportedly invested around $100 million in municipal and corporate bonds recently, including major firms like Citigroup and Wells Fargo.
An administration official stated that Trump’s investment portfolio is managed independently by third-party firms. This means he and his family do not directly influence investment decisions.
Overall, Trump’s financial moves in entertainment are raising eyebrows and inviting scrutiny, especially given the potential impact of the Netflix-WBD merger on the industry. As the deal progresses, it will be essential to watch the reactions from both lawmakers and viewers alike.
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